Indoor palms, such as the very hardy parlour palm, can add a touch of the tropics to any decor and because they tolerate low light, humidity and dry soil, even those with the blackest thumbs can get these plants to prosper in most areas of the home.

Bathrooms
For bathrooms, with their mix of high humidity and warmth, try aloe vera, begonias, bamboo and bromeliads. If you’re the adventurous type, orchids can also thrive in a bathroom environment. Be warned, though: they are temperamental. If you don’t have a green thumb, fake plants can be just as good.

Bedrooms or living rooms
Trailing indoor plants such as the indestructible devil’s ivy are perfectly suited to a position on a bookcase or shelf, where their vivid variegated foliage can be fully appreciated. Choosing a planter that fits your colour scheme and design elements will help your plants be a fully integrated part of your home’s style.

Small spaces
If you don’t have the space or patience for growing plants indoors, there’s nothing to stop you from using large tropical leaves and cuttings from plants like monstera deliciosa or the philodendron family to create a dramatic design statement in a vase or bottle.

Blending real and faux greenery enables you to create a rainforest illusion.

Not all of us have that elusive green thumb necessary for indoor plants to thrive, however, and if you fall into that category, there’s now an amazing range of ultra-realistic faux plants that boast lifelike textures, colours and even reflective qualities.

Blending real and faux greenery enables you to create a rainforest illusion with the minimum amount of cost and care. Remember to clean the leaves of any fake plants; they have a tendency to gather dust and will benefit from a regular wipe down with a damp cloth.